Distinguished - Clearly describes one strength and one weakness of one of the three branches of government in a complete and concise paragraph.

Proficient - Describes one strength and one weakness of one of the three branches of government in a paragraph. The paragraph is slightly incomplete or unclear.

Basic - Partially describes one strength and/or one weakness of one of the three branches of government in a paragraph. The paragraph is incomplete and/or unclear.

Below Expectations - Attempts to describe one strength and/or one weakness of one of the three branches of government in a concise paragraph; however, the paragraph is incomplete and/or is entirely unclear.

Non-Performance - The description of one strength and one weakness of the one of the three branches of the government is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly recommends one option to maintain the strength and one to correct the weakness regarding one of the three branches of government in a complete and concise paragraph.

Proficient - Recommends one option to maintain the strength and one to correct the weakness regarding one of the three branches of government in a paragraph. The paragraph is slightly incomplete or unclear.

Basic - Partially recommends one option to maintain the strength and/or one option to correct the weakness regarding one of the three branches of government in a paragraph. The paragraph is incomplete and/or unclear.

Below Expectations - Attempts to recommend one option to maintain the strength and/or one option to correct the weakness regarding one of the three branches of government in a paragraph; however, the paragraph is incomplete and/or is entirely unclear.

Non-Performance - The recommendation for one option to maintain the strength and one to correct the weakness is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly discusses how the two APA sources fully support the main points regarding a strength and a weakness of one of the three branches of government.

Proficient - Discusses how the two APA sources support the main points regarding a strength and a weakness of one of the three branches of government. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Partially discusses how the two APA sources somewhat support the main points regarding a strength and a weakness of one of the three branches of government. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to discuss how the two APA sources support the main points regarding a strength and a weakness of the branch of government; however, significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The discussion regarding how the two APA sources support the main points is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly analyzes two APA sources for bias, validity, and reliability that clearly support the main points regarding one of the three branches of government.

Proficient - Analyzes two APA sources for bias, validity, and reliability that support the main points regarding one of the three branches of government. The analysis is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Partially analyzes at least one APA source for bias, validity, and reliability that somewhat supports the main points regarding one of the three branches of government. The analysis is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to analyze two APA sources for bias, validity, and reliability; however, the sources do not support the main points regarding one of the three branches of government, and the analysis is significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The analysis of two APA sources is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors and is very easy to understand.

Proficient - Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors and is mostly easy to understand.

Basic - Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors which may slightly distract the reader.

Below Expectations - Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains major errors which distract the reader.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Accurately uses APA formatting consistently throughout the paper, title page, and reference page.

Proficient - Exhibits APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors. 

Basic - Exhibits limited knowledge of APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all APA requirements. 

Below Expectations - Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of APA formatting. There are frequent errors, making the layout difficult to distinguish as APA.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Uses more than the required number of scholarly sources, providing compelling evidence to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Proficient - Uses the required number of scholarly sources to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Basic - Uses less than the required number of sources to support ideas. Some sources may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are used within the body of the assignment. Citations may not be formatted correctly.

Below Expectations - Uses an inadequate number of sources that provide little or no support for ideas. Sources used may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are not used within the body of the assignment. Citations are not formatted correctly.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.